Electel Blogspot

Toyota’s C-HR has become a serious weapon in Toyota Ireland’s salesroom armoury, writes Brian Byrne . Last year it was the third most bought Toyota model, this year it has moved up to second place. A fifth of all Toyotas sold here are C-HRs. It is currently number six in overall car sales. For this review, I had an addition to the standard 120hp 1.8 hybrid model available here, a 180hp 2.0 hybrid. It’s not currently on the price lists, but presumably can be ordered for those who want a bit more punch. Even sitting covered in autumn leaves after a windy night, the C-HR is still a standout in the small SUV arena. I don’t know of any other car that has so many edges and swoops to the bodywork. It could be overwhelming to the senses, but you actually get pretty fond of it. Inside is the current high quality finish we get throughout the Toyota range, and a similarity among the main elements includes the centre touchscreen. About this I like the physical buttons on either side for navigatin...

Toyota's new generation Hilux pick-up is now on sale in dealerships priced from €24,258 ex VAT, writes Trish Whelan . It comes with a bold new design for greater prestige and on-road presence and is powered by a new 2.8 powertrain which the Japanese carmaker claims has improved on- and off-road performance. This new Euro 6d-compliant 2755 cc diesel engine generates 204hp and, with automatic transmission, 500 Nm of torque while maximum torque for the manual transmission version is 420Nm. The Hilux's one-tonne payload and 3.5 tonne towing capability has now been expanded to all 4-wheel drive body types (Single Car and Double Cab). Toyota say the engineering goal for the new Hilux was to maintain its legendary off-road capabilities whilst improving its on-road comfort. The comfort and driveability has been enhanced through improvements to the suspension and power steering systems. The model's off-road credentials have been further enhanced by the addition of a new electronic...

Toyota, with Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI) recently announced the arrival of the Toyota hydrogen fuel cell powered bus to Ireland for the first time, writes Trish Whelan . Members of the Hydrogen Mobility Ireland group, Toyota, DCU, CIE, Bus Eireann, Dublin Bus, BOC and ESB came together with Caetano Bus and the Department of Transport to introduce this trial of a Caetano fuel cell bus to Ireland. The zero emission hydrogen fuel cell powered public transport arrived on Irish roads for 'real world' testing. The first trail started on 9 November and is running for a six-week period on the roads of Dublin and the surrounding area. Toyota had pioneered its Fuel Cell System (which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology) that is present in the Caetano Bus and which is more energy-efficient and emits no C02 or pollutants when driven. The fuel cell consumes hydrogen fuel and air to produce electrical power for the vehicle, with water as the only by-product. Toyot...

Toyota has launched its new Highlander, the first 7-seater self-charging hybrid electric SUV, to the Irish market, writes Trish Whelan . Highlander is exclusively offered as a hybrid and comes with all-wheel drive and a 2-tonne towing capacity. With a powerful stance and big 20-inch alloy wheels, Highlander blends the sophisticated looks of an urban SUV with the rugged appeal of an off-road vehicle. Toyota claim the third-row seats have easy access for two adults. Accessed by a kick-sensor operated power tailgate, the 631 litre boot space (with third row folded down) expandable to 838 litres with third and second row seats fully flat. With 244hp from its 2.5 Hybrid Dynamic Force engine, Highlander has C02 emissions and fuel consumption from 149g/km (WLTP) and 6.6 L/100km respectively. The vehicle comes equipped with the latest connectivity and safety features. Pricing starts from €63,995 or €507 per month. Highlander will be in dealer showrooms from January but customers can place ...

While Toyota dealerships are open for servicing and parts during Level 5 restrictions, customers are encouraged to contact their dealers or check out Toyota’s virtual sales experience when it comes to buying a new model, writes Trish Whelan . Toyota has announced a range of offers to help drivers on their way to affordable electrified motoring. New Toyota hybrid buyers can avail of finance contributions of up to €3,000, APRs from 2.9pc, trade-in boosters up to €2,500 for non-finance customers and three years’ free servicing as standard. With these new offers, customers who purchase a new Toyota before 28 February 2021 will benefit from a 3pc VAT reduction with lower VRT from January on the majority of Toyota’s range. Toyota claim to have the lowest C02 output of any mass market car brand and its hybrids sold in 2019 alone will save over 60,000 tonnes from entering the atmosphere in their lifetime.  

Toyota has renewed its appeal to ‘Face it Down’ as new research reveals 59pc of Irish motorists look at their phones while driving, writes Trish Whelan . Key research findings in a survey of 1,000 Irish drivers show that 59pc have glanced at their phones while driving within the last 12 months; 26pc typically check their phone alerts while stopped at traffic lights; and 21pc take a quick glance while driving when they feel it’s safe to do so. Some 42pc of drivers admit to looking at their phones while driving, within the last two months. When driving or stopped at traffic lights, 21pc said they read text messages, 18pc make or answer calls, 7pc check voicemail, 6pc send messages, 4pc check social media, and 3pc read the news. The survey comes at a time when deaths on Irish roads have risen by 9, in comparison with the same time period of last year.   Toyota is asking Irish motorists to place their phones faced down while driving - the central message carried throughout the brand’s ...

From time to time cars from different makers share the same motors or even platforms.  An interesting recent example is the BMW G29 Z4  sports car platform that the company shared with the Toyota Supra J29/DB . Even though both cars share many mechanical features, their styling is distinctly different.  And not just because the BMW is a convertible and the Toyota is a coupé.  One reason why this was possible is that both firms are in good financial shape and their need for low-cost "badge engineering" styling was nil. Below are some factory publicity images for comparison.  Each Z4 image is followed by one of a Supra. Gallery The only shared details from this viewpoint are the windshield, the round wheel openings, and the after part of the hood cutline. Even the door cutlines differ to some degree. About the only similarity seen here is the side sculpting upsweep theme -- but not any details.